Abacavir

INFORMATION

Uses

Abacavir is used in the treatment of HIV infection.

How it works

Abacavir belongs to a group of medicines called nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Abacavir works by blocking the function of reverse transcriptase, which inhibits replication of HIV thereby decreasing its level in the blood.

Expert advice

Tell your doctor if you have or had kidney/ liver disease (including hepatitis), if you smoke/drink large amounts of alcohol, have high blood pressure or diabetes, as abacavir may increase your risk of having a heart attack.

You should not take abacavir tablets with other products containing abacavir.

Do not stop taking abacavir even for a short period of time; doing so may worsen your condition.

Do not drive or operate machinery while using abacavir unless you are feeling well.

Abacavir does not prevent the spread of HIV virus to others through blood or sexual contact. Take the required precautions to prevent transmission.

Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Abacavir

Q.What is abacavir/ what is abacavir used for/ what is abacavir sulfate/ what is abacavir-lamivudine/ what does abacavir treat?Abacavir or abacavir sulfate is used to treat HIV infection along with other medications. Abacavir-lamivudine is a combination drug used to treat HIV infection

Q.How does abacavir work/ how does abacavir interfere with reverse transcriptase?Abacavir works by blocking the function of reverse transcriptase, which inhibits replication of HIV thereby decreasing its level in the blood

Q.What is abacavir hypersensitivity reaction/ what is abacavir hypersensitivity?Abacavir may cause a serious or life-threatening allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. Hypersensitivity reaction symptoms usually includes fever and skin rash, nausea, vomit, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, severe tiredness, headache, joint or muscle pain, swelling of the neck, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough and occasionally inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis), mouth ulcers, low blood pressure, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience one or more such symptoms and stop taking abacavir immediately

Q.Is abacavir a protease inhibitor?Abacavir is not a protease inhibitor. It inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase

Q.Is abacavir generic?Abacavir is a generic name.

Content on this page was last updated on 12 November, 2016, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)